Dub the Dance Floor with King Original Sound System
Reggae sound systems built the foundation of bass music: be here as Footsie and King Original Sound explore how these mighty basslines shaped the music of today.
We’re turning up the volume on the Riverside Terrace in this free London sound system celebration. Join us for an afternoon of heavy basslines and open-air tunes, with a full line-up to be announced shortly.
UK grime, bass music pioneer, vocalist and producer Footsie is back, continuing the legacy of his father. Established in 1973, King Original became East London’s most prominent reggae sound system for over two decades.
Having collaborated with artists like Dizzee Rascal, Arctic Monkeys, The Prodigy, D-Double E, Wiley, and Skepta, Footsie’s decision to revive King Original has injected new life into the phenomenon that underscores all UK bass music – the reggae sound system.
Joining Footsie for a live PA set on the day is Kibir La Amlak, music producer, DJ and sound engineer from the UK reggae sound system scene. Come along for deep basslines, pulsating tracks, and raw energy from sound system roots to today’s global beats.
Schedule
12 noon: DJ Snuff + Binghi Dan + elevatetoday
1.20pm: Falle Nioke
1.50pm: Danniella Dee
3.20pm: Tafara
3.40pm: Chinese Daughter
4.40pm: Yung Saber
5pm: Kibir La Amlak + Footsie
6pm: King Original
Kibir La Amlak is a music producer, DJ and sound engineer from the UK reggae sound system scene, who channels that foundation into his ‘Live Dub Experience.’ He fuses roots reggae, UK bass culture and world music, with dub techniques and contemporary electronic tools.
Tafara is a rising reggae artist blending the rich roots of her Rastafari upbringing with a blues-tinged vocal style inspired by Amy Winehouse. Mixing patois and English, her sound fuses heavy reggae basslines, horns and jazz elements.
South London born and bred Chinese Daughter is a vinyl-only DJ. She is also part of the iconic Swamp 81 label and hosts her own show on the legendary Kool FM.
Binghi Dan is a selector, cultural curator and host rooted in Rastafari and sound system tradition. Expect deep roots, powerful live PAs, and the kind of energy that turns gatherings into something greater.
Coventry’s own Danniella Dee has carved her place out as a respected torchbearer for Jamaican music in the UK. She’s known for her killer taste in records, soulful voice, and a vibe that brings the whole room together.
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the Riverside Terrace Southbank Centre
The Riverside Terrace is open all day, every day*.
*If you’re attending an event on our Riverside Terrace, check the event listing for start and finish times.
Plan your visit
The Riverside Terrace is an outdoor space overlooking the River Thames, on Royal Festival Hall, Level 2.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
Through the glass from Riverside Terrace on Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.